2025年3月 - 星空迷

罗马广场上的罗马萨图尔诺农神庙，罗马，意大利 The Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum, Rome, Italy (© Nico De Pasquale Photography/Getty Images)

“朋友们，罗马人，同胞们…” Friends, Romans, countrymen

罗马萨图尔诺农神庙，意大利

正如莎士比亚在其戏剧《尤利乌斯·凯撒》中所写：“朋友们，罗马人，同胞们，请听我说。”今天是三月十五日，一个深深烙印在罗马历史与传统中的日子。在罗马历法中，“十五日”指的是每月的中旬，通常标志着满月。这一天曾是庆祝节日和公共集会的日子。然而，在公元前 44 年，三月十五日成为政治动荡与背叛的代名词，并引发了罗马共和国覆灭的关键事件。在那个决定性的日子，罗马独裁者凯撒遭到一群元老院成员的刺杀。其中甚至包括他的亲密盟友布鲁图斯。这些密谋者自认为是在拯救共和国，阻止凯撒权力日益膨胀。凯撒在庞贝剧院附近遇刺，这一历史性时刻的影响却回荡在罗马广场，这里曾是罗马政治与社会生活的中心。

如今，漫步在意大利的罗马广场，仍能看到历史的遗迹和曾经辉煌的帝国废墟。其中最重要的遗址之一便是土星神庙，正如今日图片所示。这座罗马广场中最古老、最受尊敬的建筑之一，曾守护着罗马的国库，是凯撒刺客们声称要保护的共和国象征。

Ides of March

As Shakespeare wrote in his play 'Julius Caesar,' 'Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.' Today is the Ides of March, a day steeped in Roman history and tradition. The term 'Ides' referred to the midpoint of the month in the Roman calendar, often marking the full moon. It was a time of celebration, with festivals and public gatherings. However, in 44 BCE, the Ides of March became synonymous with political upheaval, betrayal, and an event that would trigger the fall of the Roman Republic. On that fateful day, Julius Caesar, Rome's powerful dictator, was assassinated by a group of senators. The conspirators, including his close ally Brutus, believed they were saving the Republic from Caesar's growing authority. Caesar was attacked near the Theater of Pompey, but the tension of that moment echoed through the Roman Forum—the beating heart of Rome's political and social life.

Strolling through the Forum, in present-day Italy, you can now see the remnants of history and the ruins of a once-mighty empire. Among its many treasures is the Temple of Saturn, pictured here. One of the Forum's oldest and most revered structures, it once guarded the Roman treasury, a stark symbol of the Republic Caesar's assassins claimed to protect.

索尔吉奈特克斯的巨石墓，巴斯克地区，阿拉瓦省，西班牙 Dolmen of Sorginetxe, Basque Country, Álava, Spain (© David Herraez Calzada/plainpicture)

天空中的圆周率 Pi in the sky

庆祝圆周率日

计算圆的周长与直径的比值就像 π 一样简单。今天是圆周率日，一个专门庆祝这一数学常数的节日。这个日期之所以被选中，是因为3、1、4正是圆周率π的前三位有效数字。作为一个无理数，圆周率无法被写成分数，其小数部分会无限延伸且不重复。人类对 π 的探索可以追溯到公元前 1900 年左右的古巴比伦和古埃及。

然而，圆周率日的正式起源相对较晚。20 世纪 80 年代，物理学家拉里·肖在旧金山一家科学博物馆组织了首次圆周率日的庆祝活动。当天，工作人员围着圆圈行走，品尝与 π（Pi）谐音的馅饼（Pie），以此象征这一数学常数。今日图片带我们来到西班牙北部的阿拉瓦，星空在索尔吉奈特克斯的巨石墓上空旋转划出圆形轨迹。这座史前巨石遗迹可追溯至公元前 3000 年。自古以来，圆周率（π）在天文学研究中扮演着重要角色，印度和波斯的天文学家曾计算出最早且最精确的圆周率近似值，为人类探索宇宙奠定了基础。

Celebrating Pi Day

Calculating the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter is as easy as pi. Today is Pi Day, an event that celebrates this mathematical constant. This date was chosen because 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant figures of pi (π) when it is written out. Pi is an irrational number, which means that it can't be written as a fraction. When written out, its decimal representation goes on infinitely without repeating. The oldest attempts to calculate pi date back to ancient Babylon and Egypt, around 1900 BCE.

Pi Day, however, has more recent origins. In the 1980s, physicist Larry Shaw organized the first celebration, where staff at a San Francisco science museum walked around in circles and then ate the number's delicious homophones: pies. Today's image takes us to Álava, northern Spain. The circular motion of the stars appears above the Dolmen of Sorginetxe, an ancient megalithic monument dating back to 3000 BCE. Pi has long played a key role in the study of the stars, and some of the most accurate early approximations of the number were calculated by Indian and Persian astronomers.

努沙佩尼达岛的破碎海滩, 巴厘岛, 印度尼西亚 Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia (© StockPhotoAstur/Shutterstock)

大海的非凡造化 When the ocean breaks the rules

努沙佩尼达岛的破碎海滩, 巴厘岛, 印度尼西亚

巴厘岛的海滩已经足够令人惊艳，但努沙佩尼达岛的风景却更别具一格。这座远离主流旅游线路的岛屿隶属于巴厘省，以狂野自然之美闻名，壮观的悬崖、湛蓝的海水和未受污染的海岸线，让游客暂时远离巴厘岛的繁华，沉浸在大自然的宁静之中。“努沙佩尼达”在当地语言中意为“祭司之岛”，历史上这里曾是精神修行之地，至今仍保留着传统寺庙和宗教仪式。

岛上最具代表性的景点之一便是破碎海滩，当地人称其为“Pasih Uug”，如今日图片所示。这片奇景由海浪经过数千年的侵蚀，逐渐凿刻出一个圆形海湾，并在尽头形成一片小型白色沙滩。关于它的形成，当地流传着各种传说。有些人认为这是巨人的脚印，而另一些人则说它是愤怒的巫师制造的神秘遗迹。在这里探索时，你可能还会在海湾下方的清澈水域看到蝠鲼优雅地滑行，展示着这座岛屿丰富的海洋生物。站在悬崖之巅俯瞰，破碎海滩无与伦比的景色，这里成为摄影爱好者和寻求宁静之地的游客体验大自然神奇魅力的绝佳去处。

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Let's be real—the beaches in Bali are beautiful, but the ones in Nusa Penida? That's a whole new vibe. This off-the-beaten-path island, part of the Bali province, is where nature gets a little wild, and the sights are nothing short of epic. With its rugged cliffs and clear waters, the island offers an escape from Bali's busier tourist hubs. The name 'Nusa Penida' translates to 'island of priests,' and historically, it served as a spiritual retreat, with temples and rituals that locals still honor today.

One of the island's most iconic attractions is Broken Beach, or 'Pasih Uug,' as locals call it, seen in today's image. This marvel features a circular bay in the cliff rocks, carved out by the relentless ocean waves, leading to a small white-sand beach. Some local legends claim the hollow bay was formed by a giant's footsteps, while others attribute it to an angry sorcerer. As you explore, you might spot manta rays gliding gracefully through the waters below, showcasing the island's marine life. The views from the top are unmatched, making this spot a haven for photographers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

圣马可钟楼，威尼斯，意大利 St. Mark's Clock Tower, Venice, Italy (© scaliger/Getty Images)

时间的步伐 The March of time

夏令时开始

又到了一年中的这个时刻，时钟拨快一小时，虽然少睡了一小时，但换来了更长的傍晚时光。今年的夏令时从今天凌晨2点正式开始，亚利桑那州和夏威夷州除外，这再次提醒我们，时间从不会等待任何人。夏令时的理念很简单：最大化利用自然光，减少能源消耗。这一概念最早在 18 世纪由本杰明·富兰克林提出，尽管他当时 “节省蜡烛”的建议更像是一种讽刺，而非严肃提议。时间快进到 20 世纪初，许多国家在战争期间采用夏令时以节省燃料。美国于 1966 年颁布了《统一时间法案》，正式将夏时令标准化。如今，全球约70个国家实行夏令时，通常从3月持续到11月，让人们享受长达八个月的漫长夜晚。

今日图片中的圣马可钟楼位于意大利威尼斯，已有500 多年的历史。这座文艺复兴时期的杰作不仅显示时间，还追踪月亮、太阳和黄道十二宫的运行。钟楼顶部矗立着威尼斯的标志，一只带翼的圣马可飞狮，以及两个青铜摩尔人，他们以精准的节奏敲响钟声，仿佛在演绎一场精心编排的戏剧。

Daylight saving time begins

It's the time of year again when clocks spring forward, stealing an hour of sleep but giving us longer evenings to enjoy. Daylight saving time (DST) starts today at 2 AM, except in Arizona and Hawaii, reminding us that time, quite literally, waits for no one. The idea is simple: maximizing daylight and reducing energy consumption by syncing our activities with the natural light cycle. This concept was popularized by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, though his suggestion to 'save candles' was more satirical than a serious proposal. Fast-forward to the early 20th century, when many countries adopted DST to conserve fuel during wartime. The US officially standardized it in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act. Today, DST runs from March to November in around 70 countries, giving eight months of extended evening light.

The clock in today's image—St. Mark's Clock Tower—is in Venice, Italy, where it has been keeping time for over 500 years. This Renaissance masterpiece tracks the moon, the sun, and the zodiac. Towering above is the city's iconic winged lion and two bronze Moors who strike the bell with theatrical precision.

石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州瓦登海国家公园，德国 Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Germany (© 3quarks/Getty Images)

原始纯净的自然天堂 Untouched natural paradise

石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州瓦登海国家公园，德国

作为联合国教科文组织世界遗产的一部分，石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因瓦登海国家公园不仅是一片珍贵的生态系统，同时也是德国北海海岸上的真正自然天堂。公园占地面积达 4410 平方公里，是德国最大的国家公园。在这里，游客可以近距离感受潮汐的奇妙变化，探索这片独特的生态景观。这里栖息着大量鸟类、鱼类和海洋哺乳动物，展现出令人惊叹的生物多样性。

沙漠大角羊，内华达州火焰谷州立公园，美国 Desert bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada (© Rachid Dahnoun/Cavan Images)

岩石间的生存之道 Rocky relationship

火焰谷州立公园的沙漠大角羊

沙漠中的大角羊是大自然的登山高手，它们能轻松攀爬悬崖，优雅穿行于崎岖的岩石地形。作为北美的原生物种，大角羊以其独特的卷曲羊角闻名，羊角重量可达30磅。雄羊会用巨大的羊角进行激烈的撞角较量，在这些对决中，它们能以每小时20英里的速度相互冲撞。相比之下，雌羊更加低调，通常会与幼崽组成小群体。大角羊适应了沙漠环境，能长时间不饮水，主要依靠植物中的水分生存。

今日图片中的火焰谷州立公园，是内华达州观赏这些沙漠居民的最佳地点之一。公园因其在阳光下宛如燃烧的红色砂岩地貌而得名。除了壮丽的自然景观，公园还承载着重要的历史意义，其中保存着古代原住民留下的岩画。此外，它因在流行文化中的地位而广为人知，例如电影《星际迷航：世代交替》的部分场景便是在此取景。游览此地时，不妨留意周围的岩石露头，或许会发现一只大角羊正在静静地注视着你。

Desert bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Nature's desert navigators—desert bighorn sheep—are a marvel to watch, effortlessly scaling cliffs and navigating rocky terrains with grace. Native to North America, these sheep are known for their distinctive curled horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds. Rams use their massive horns in intense head-butting contests. During these battles, they hurl themselves at each other in charges of up to 20 miles per hour. Ewes, on the other hand, tend to keep things more low-key, forming smaller groups with their lambs. Adapted to the desert environment, the desert bighorn sheep sub-species can go long periods without water, relying on moisture from plants to survive.

Valley of Fire State Park, seen in today's image, is one of the best spots in Nevada to observe these desert dwellers. This park is named for its fiery red sandstone formations that seem to glow under the sun. Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds deep historical significance, with petroglyphs left by ancient Indigenous peoples. It has also earned a place in pop culture as a filming location for scenes from 'Star Trek Generations.' Keep an eye on the rocky outcrops during your visit—you might spot a bighorn sheep observing you.

丛林探险 A jungle adventure

考索国家公园，泰国

今天，我们来到了一片充满野生动物的奇境，泰国素叻他尼府的考索国家公园。这片雨林比亚马逊更古老，生态系统极为丰富。公园成立于1980 年栖息着马来貘、白掌长臂猿、印度野牛和犀鸟等多种野生动物，是任何想要逃离城市喧嚣、沉浸丛林之声的旅行者的理想目的地。这里有蜿蜒的远足小径供人探索，也可以乘皮划艇悠然穿行。如果够幸运，还能目睹巨型莱佛士花盛开的壮观景象。

此外，这里还有卓兰湖。这座湖泊是1982年因修建拉差帕帕大坝而形成的水库，随着时间推移，湖泊塑造了宛如电影场景般的景观，正如今日图片所展示的那样。这座大坝最初被称为“乔兰工程”，后更名为“拉差帕帕”，意为“王国之光”，以此向1946年至2016年在位的泰王普密蓬·阿杜德致敬。这里，石灰岩悬崖从清澈湖水中陡然升起，湖面上还建有漂浮的水上屋。这些水上屋不仅是住宿地，更是欣赏大自然奇观的绝佳位置。

Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Today we're in a wildlife-packed wonderland with rainforests older than the Amazon—Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. Established in 1980, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Malayan tapir, white-handed gibbon, gaur, and hornbill, making it an ideal destination for anyone ready to swap city noise for jungle sounds. There are trails to tackle, kayaks to paddle, and, if you're fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of the massive (and stinky) Rafflesia flower when it's in bloom.

And then there's Cheow Lan Lake—a reservoir created for hydropower in 1982 when the Rajjaprabha Dam was built. Over time, the lake transformed the landscape into something you'd think was straight out of a movie, as featured in today's image. Here, limestone cliffs rise dramatically from glassy waters, and there are floating bungalows too. These bungalows offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide a front-row seat to nature's theater.

桉树，梅加龙谷，蓝山山脉国家公园，新南威尔士州，澳大利亚 Eucalyptus trees, Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia (© Andrew Peacock/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

桉树奇景 A eucalyp-tastic view

梅加龙谷，蓝山国家公园，新南威尔士州，澳大利亚

今天，我们来到澳大利亚新南威尔士州的蓝山国家公园。这里以壮观的悬崖、茂密的雨林和飞泻的瀑布闻名，是联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产的自然瑰宝，拥有丰富的生物多样性。蓝山地区最标志性的景观之一就是今日图片中展示的桉树。这里生长着 92 种桉树，游客可以近距离欣赏这些生命力顽强的树木，它们构成了澳大利亚野生生态系统的核心。桉树芳香的叶子是考拉的主要食物来源，而桉树的树皮和茂密的树冠则为无数鸟类和昆虫提供了栖息地。隐藏在山脉之间的还有梅加隆谷，这片宁静的世外桃源距离悉尼仅两小时车程，坐拥度假木屋、酒庄以及备受喜爱的梅加隆谷茶室。在这里，可以品尝新鲜出炉的司康饼，搭配当地果酱，享受惬意时光。此外，还可以探索六英尺步道，这条历史悠久的小径最早建于19世纪，最初是为骑马者开辟的通道。蓝山国家公园为游客带来一场深入澳大利亚原始自然之美的难忘旅程。

Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Today, we are in New South Wales, Australia, amid the Blue Mountains National Park. Known for its dramatic cliffs, dense rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. Among the most iconic features of the Blue Mountains region are the eucalyptus trees, pictured here. Home to 92 species of eucalyptus, this area offers visitors a chance to marvel at these resilient trees, which are central to Australian wildlife. Their aromatic leaves provide food for koalas, while their bark and canopy create habitats for countless birds and insects.

Also nestled within the mountains is the Megalong Valley. Just a 2-hour drive from Sydney, this region is home to getaway cabins, wineries, and the Megalong Valley Tearooms, a charming retreat where you can enjoy freshly baked scones paired with local jams. Here, you can also explore the Six Foot Track, a historic trail originally carved in the 19th century for horseback riders. The Blue Mountains promise an unforgettable escape into the heart of Australia's wild beauty.

玛琳湖精灵岛上空的北极光，贾斯珀国家公园，加拿大 The aurora borealis over Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada (© Mumemories/Getty Images)

天空之镜 Celestial reflections

玛琳湖上的极光，精灵岛，加拿大

有些地方仿佛被时间遗忘。在加拿大阿尔伯塔省贾斯珀国家公园深处，就有这样一个世外桃源：玛琳湖。这条长达22 公里的蜿蜒湖泊，穿越巍峨群山，是加拿大落基山脉中最大的天然湖泊。这里，高耸的山峰、冰川融水和无尽的天空交汇，构成了一幅震撼人心的画面。

早在1907年，向导玛丽·沙弗绘制了玛琳湖的地图，使其进入大众视野。湖中有一座小岛，名为精灵岛，岛上树木繁茂，因摄影师捕捉到它在水中的惊艳倒影而成为标志性景点。自古以来，这里就是丹尼扎、纳科达和克里等原住民狩猎和旅行的地方，他们与这片土地建立了深厚的联系，并一直延续至今。如今，这里已成为皮划艇爱好者、徒步旅行者以及追逐北极光的人们的热门目的地。观赏北极光的最佳时间是秋季至春季，夜晚更长且地磁活动增强时，极光最容易出现。当条件适宜时，北极光会在天空中舞动，呈现出绿色、粉色和紫色的光芒，正如今日图片所展示的那样。这一现象源于太阳粒子撞击地球磁场，在大气层中释放光芒，使夜空呈现出闪烁变幻的极光。只要天空晴朗，再加上一点耐心，就足以将一个普通的夜晚变成永生难忘的奇迹。